Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
ISSN 2454-5899
Hedivina P. Bernardino
Benjamin B. Esguerra Memorial National High School, Department of Education, Taytay, Rizal,
Philippines
ab22bernardino@yahoo.com
Analyn C. Feliciano
Benjamin B. Esguerra Memorial National High School, Department of Education, Taytay, Rizal,
Philippines
analyn_jewel@yahoo.com
Rebecca F. Averion
Benjamin B. Esguerra Memorial National High School, Department of Education, Taytay, Rizal,
Philippines
rebecca_averion@yahoo.com
Abstract
Students’ misbehavior in the classroom is a common scenario. In some researches, students’
misbehavior is associated with social skill deficiency resulting in behavior problems and poor
academic achievement. This study is timely and vital in addressing the need for a program that
will reinforce positive discipline in the classroom. The Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao (EsP) of
Benjamin B. Esguerra Memorial National High School (BBEMNHS) maintains that the
intervention program with the goal to Change, Reinvent, and Elevate Attitude Towards
Excellence (CREATE) of students that are at risk is essential to lessen if not eradicate
misbehavior in the classroom. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were utilized,
particularly pre-test and post-test quasi-experimental design and phenomenographical analysis.
Survey questionnaire, anecdotal records, and focus group interviews were used for data
gathering. This research was anchored on the inculcation approach of set absolute values
processed according to social skills processing of change: seeing, thinking, and doing. The
common classroom misbehaviors such as not submitting projects/homework, cutting classes,
absenteeism, and violating school rules were garnered from the respondents. Interactive games
are found to be the most effective among the enabling activities. Lectures are perceived to be the
least effective. Pre-test and post-test of the respondents’ social skills have significant difference,
while, students’ conceptions on the effect of the CREATE program generate a binary opposite
effect such as acceptance vs. denial, resolve vs. status quo, and applying vs. defying. Further
studies in gender and grade level implementation of the program may be undertaken using this
baseline research.
Keywords
Students at Risk, Intervention, Action Research, Students‟ Misbehavior, Social Skills,
Continuous Improvement Program, Phenomenographical Study
1. Introduction
Classroom management and management of student behavior are skills that teachers gain
and develop over time. Effective teaching occurs when the teacher is able to manage the host of
tasks and situations in the classroom daily. Although careful preparation of lesson plans and
teaching aids are necessary tasks and form the heart of teaching, behavior management is what
challenges most teachers (Meddour, 2017).
Students‟ misbehavior cause major disruptions in the classroom and if left unchecked,
even minor offenses can escalate into bigger issues. Patac (2015) wrote that effective classroom
management incorporates environment modification in order for behavior modification to
transpire. On the other hand, the use of proactive behavior and high student involvement coupled
with the teacher‟s organizational ability contribute to a well-managed classroom.
This research therefore deals with exploring an alternative approach in handling students
with said problems. It aims to bridge theory and practice by developing a model program that
will possibly aid both the school and the community in solving this real-life situation.
1.1 Social Skills
Students‟ misbehavior in school is a typical scenario. Students‟ misbehavior is associated
to social skill deficiency, where children without adequate social skills students are at risk for
difficulties including behavior problems and poor academic achievement (Wu, Lo, Feng, & Lo,
2010; Comides, 2014). Social skills are learned behaviors that facilitate in amplifying social
underpinning and curtailing destructive interactions with others (Greshan, 1990; Greshan &
Elliott, 1990). According to Comedis (2014), the common social skills expected of students are
the following: cooperation, observed as students‟ attention to instruction and doing their
assignment correctly and on time; self-control, observed to be related to ignoring peers
distractions and encouraging in conflict with classmates during lecture and classroom activities;
and assertiveness, observed to include encouraging others to join the activity and acting as a
leader in a group. Assertive students sometimes question the classroom rules and fairness.
In addition, Collins, Gresham, and Dart (2016) describe that student social skills manifest
in asking for help when needed and interacting appropriately with others. Alternatively, social
skills deficiencies are manifested in students‟ behavior such as dropout (Ryan, Reid & Epstein,
2004; Collins, Gresham & Dart, 2016), delinquency, aggression, and conduct problems
(Kupersmidt, Coie, & Dodge, 1990; Ladd, 1981, cited by Collins, Gresham & Dart, 2016). Such
experiences usually result to many negative outcomes (Collins, Gresham, & Dart, 2016).
The link of social skills, academic performance, and success of students are proven in
previous researches. According to McClelland and Tominey (2009), children's social skills are
important for early school success and later adjustment. While social skill deficits undesirably
influence academic input and achievement, they also aggravate pre-diagnosed learning
difficulties in certain situations (Dodge & Pettit, 2003; cited by Zach, Yazdi-Ugav, & Zeev,
2016, cited in Wight & Christine, 2008). Thus, students with social skills deficiency sometimes
tend to misbehave (Zach, Yazdi-Ugav, & Zeev, 2016). Moreover, Zach, Yazdi-Ugav and Zeev
(2016) assert that there is consistent proof that social skill deficits are characteristics found in
students with learning disorders. Based on Dobbins, Higgins, Pierce, Tandy, and Tincani (2010),
research has acknowledged that children without adequate social skills are at risk for difficulties
including peer rejection, behavior problems, and poor academic achievement. Also, social
inability can be a lifelong problem since social incompetence can be more debilitating and
detrimental to success in life than learning problems. Children who lack social skills can cause
troubles for teachers within the typical education classroom. They often disrupt class, entail
special academic support, and seldom develop positive relationships with their teachers (Baker et
al., 2008; Birch & Ladd, 1998, cited by Fisher, Reynolds, & Sheehan, 2016).
Social skills are proven to be enablers of students‟ success in their studies (Zach, Yazdi-
Ugav, & Zeev, 2016; Collins, Gresham, & Dart, 2016). Students with positive social skills
inevitably know how to communicate, influence, and interrelate with another person, without
unnecessary conflict. Likewise, Odom, McConnell, and Brown (2008, cited by Frey, Elliott, &
Kaiser, 2014) claim that learning-related social skills include listening, following directions, and
participating in a group. A child‟s social skills influence his or her peer acceptance and
friendship development, which are related to school adjustment, academic achievement, and self-
management skills (Frey, Elliott & Kaiser, 2014).
Based on the above literature, there seems to be a correlation between promotion of
social skills and continuation of an inclusion attitude in education, where students‟ academic
achievements are encouraged and behavioral problems are reduced (Zach, Yazdi-Ugav & Zeev,
2016). In addition, corporal punishment and coercion are no longer encouraged in correcting
behavior; instead, positive discipline is promoted in correcting students‟ behavior in both public
and private schools (deped.gov.ph, 2016). According to the United Nations Convention on the
Rights of the Child (Ohchrorg, 2018) declares:
States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to protect the child from all
forms of violence. State Parties are also required to “take all appropriate
measures to ensure that school discipline is administered in a manner consistent
with the child’s human dignity and in conformity with the present Convention.
In line with the K to 12 program, all students should also be given equal opportunities to
be at par with other students who are achievers. Since social skills and behavior are linked with
the academic achievement of students, providing an intervention to correct the social skills
deficiencies of students is therefore necessary in developing positive social skills. Hence, this
research firmly believes that the use of activity-mediated intervention program which inculcates
absolute values can improve the social skills of students with the said deficiency.
1.2 Intervention Program
The intervention program in this action research is based on Social Skills Training (Lane,
Wehby, Menzies, Doukas, Munton, & Gregg, 2003). The use of activity-mediated instruction is
supported by the three processes underlying social skills: seeing, thinking, and doing. The lesson
plan of the proposed curriculum are composed of activities (games, video, icebreakers, etc.),
processing questions (guide questions), and application (reflection and commitment to apply the
values learned) in the spirit of camaraderie, and positive and happy learning environment.
According to Gresham et al. (2001, cited by Dobbins, Higgins, Pierce, Tandy, & Tincani, 2010),
direct intervention is needed for students with social skills deficit in order to avoid the cycle of
ineffective and unproductive social interactions leading to peer rejection and lack of positive
social relationships. For this reason, educators are encouraged to be knowledgeable regarding the
direct instruction of social skills and proper methods in designing and implementing social skill
instruction. This should be supported by researches on effectiveness of social skill programs
(Goldstein, Miklowitz, & Mullen, 2006 cited by Dobbins, Higgins, Pierce, Tandy, & Tincani,
2010).
According to Dobbins, Higgins, Pierce, Tandy and Tincani (2010, cited in Caldarella &
Merrell, 1997), important domain should be observed in planning social skill instructions. The
proponents of the intervention should consider the following components: (a) a typical social
skill classification system; (b) a profile of social skill strengths and weakness; (c) a template on
which to design social skills instruction; (d) an outcome-based measurement system; and (e)
assessment in terms of cause, prognosis, and responsiveness to social skill interventions.
Following the characteristics of an effective social skills training or intervention program above,
this study proposes an intervention program and instructional plan premised on reflective
activities (inspiring videos, games, and group peer using peer facilitation, questions) and
inculcation of select absolute values aimed at changing the social skills deficit of BBEMNHS
students. The salient feature of this intervention instruction (Appendix A) has been cited as an
agent of change:
On real-life and inspiring stories. The power of story has been utilized across time and
culture. Stories have been agents of personal transformation in part because they change our
brains (https://aeon.co/essays/once-upon-a-time-how-stories-change-hearts-and-brains) and make
us change the way we think.
On the biblical view. Evans (2010) relates that what is to be considered is the idea of
biblical worldview impacting the hearts and worldviews of individuals, one at a time, leading to
changed lives and ultimately to a changed or transformed culture.
On other reflective activities. Reflective activities are found to: improve self-awareness
and emotional support (Fook & Gardner, 2007, cited by Roessger (2014)), enhance critical
thinking in complex situations (Brookfield, 2000a), advance affective development, increase
self-esteem, and improve political and social emancipation. Kevin M. Roessger (2014) asserts
that the three-intertwined feature of this intervention program brings hope to alleviating social
skills deficiency of at risk student respondents of this program.
This study aims to simulate the thrust of the Department of Education (DepEd) on
imposing positive discipline to students at risk: students who might not succeed in their
schooling due to their behavior (DepEd, 2016). It intends to address problems on students‟
misbehavior like non-compliance to assignments, habitual class cutting, absenteeism, and
violation of school rules. Likewise, it also means to serve as a continuous improvement program
for students who are at risk.
Aside from reflective activities, inculcation is utilized in the intervention program. It is a
method in teaching values to instill or internalize certain values in students (SAMEO, 2012;
Reyes, 2013). Absolute biblical principles and values such as good stewardship, listening, vision,
diligence, and sacrifice are selected because they are deemed to be very relevant to the success of
the students in their studies.
the best enabling activities for the students at risk, support the principle of the positive discipline
in everyday teaching through the intervention program, and structure the various conceptions of
the students at risk on the enabling activities.
3. Research Problems
This study sought to answer the following questions:
What are the common behaviors of at risk students in BBEMNHS?
What enabling activities are most effective to selected at risk students of BBEMNHS?
What are the conceptions of the at risk students in BBEMNHS on the intervention
program?
What is the significant difference of the status of students‟ social skills before and after
the intervention program?
4. Hypotheses
The study tested the following hypotheses:
There is no significant difference in the respondents‟ conceptions in the use of activity
mediation.
There is a significant relationship between the promotion of social skills, which is often
linked to the continuation of an inclusion attitude in education, and reduction of
behavioral problems as predictor of student academic achievement.
5. Theoretical Framework
Effective social skills instruction or intervention appropriate for the social skill deficiency
is based on operant, social learning, and cognitive-behavioral approaches (Elksnin & Elksnin,
2006; Elliott & Gresham, 1993, cited by Dobbins, Higgins, Pierce, Tandy, & Tincani, 2010).
John Dewey is perceived by many authors as the founding father of reflection in education. He
claims that reflection starts with experience, not with theory. On systematic reflection, he further
says, “An ounce of experience is better than a ton of theory, simply because it is only in
experience that any theory has viral and verifiable significance” (John Dewey 1933, cited by
Visscher-Voerman & Procee, 2007).
Generally, the combination of the three functions that characterize systematic reflection
(self-explanation, data verification, and feedback) leads to a greater willingness (motivational
effect) and ability (cognitive effect) to draw lessons from prior experiences. These motivational
and cognitive effects eventually lead to behavioral change (behavioral effect) (Ellis, Ganzach,
Castle, & Sekely, 2010; Villado & Arthur, 2013, cited by Ellis, Carette, Anseel & Lievens,
2014).
5.1 Conceptual Framework
The study is premised on the belief that reflection is crucial to helping students make
sense of real-life scenarios. The conceptual framework is built around the cognitive and affective
responses of students to the enabling activities. The expected responses of the respondents are
perceived in binary opposites (Claude L vi-Strauss, 1958, cited by Assaf, Cohen, Danesi, &
Neuman, 2015). This study asserts that reactions of respondents can be in binary opposites. The
respondents may accept or deny, resolve or maintain the status quo, and apply or defy the
principles embedded in the enablers‟ activities. The research simulacrum is presented in Figure
GAME/GROUP DYNAMICS
APPLY
INSPIRING STORIES
ENABLER’S ACTIVITIES
IN VIDEOS RESOLVE
ACCEPT
BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES
IN VIDEOS CONTEMPLATIVE MODE
DENIAL
GROUP DISCUSSIONS
STATUS QUO
DEFYING
LECTURES
EsP teachers‟ class records and deliberation of the team. From these respondents, twelve (12)
focus groups consisting of five to seven members each were interviewed. Figure 1 shows the
distribution of the respondents‟ classroom misbehaviors according to year level.
the member responsible for checking also ensured that the trustworthiness and truthfulness of the
codes given to the significant text units were correct.
7. Findings
Students‟ misbehavior is associated to social skill deficiency, where children without
adequate social skills are at risk for difficulties including behavior problems and poor academic
achievement. Hence, the intervention program (CREATE) aspires to improve the socials skills of
at risk students. Baseline data (Savitz-Romer, Rowan-Kenyon, & Fancsali, 2015) and the SSQ
(Gresham and Elliott, 1990) were used to survey the social skill levels of the respondents. This
study also aimed to identify which enabling learning activities are more likely to make students
reflect and respond by thinking of changing their classroom misbehaviors while increasing their
social skill. The following findings were revealed:
7.1 The Common Behaviors of at Risk Students
Among the respondents‟ common misbehaviors, it is important to note the following
trends:
Most of the Grade 8 and 9 students have the habit of not submitting homework/project;
Grade 7 students have the most number of habitual cutting classes;
Grade 9 has the most number of students who are absent; and
Grade 10 has the great number of school rules violators.
Figure 3 indicates the distribution of the respondents‟ classroom misbehaviors of the respondents
according to year level.
50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
G7 G8 G9 G10
mode responses namely, (a) accept (b) resolve and (c) apply (tagged as “thumb ups” in this
study); and (a) denial, (b) status quo, and (c) defying (tagged as “disapproved” in this study).
Statements of students like “I will not tease again my teachers” fall under “apply” while
those saying “I need to cooperate now with my classmates” or statements that support the
probability of exploring resolutions and adhering to the idea were categorized as “resolve”.
Statements such as “You should listen to your parents because they will not suggest anything
that will lead you to danger” were considered as “accept” contemplative mode. Conversely,
statements like “mam I am not like that” were deemed as “denial” contemplative mode.
These statements are usually from students who wanted to be in the intervention
program but ended up leaving while the program is going on. The students who are still in the
program but just sit and do nothing are considered to be in the “status quo” mode. There were
also statements which appear to go from bad to worse like this one: “Ma‟am, I have changed my
vision. I used to want to be a military, but would I love to be a police now. It‟s hard to be in the
military because you kill many people, but as a police, becoming rich is easy.” Although the
negative conceptions are all isolated cases, such initial assessment warrants more regular
classroom sessions for validation. Figure 5 shows the variations of the enabling activities‟ effects
to the respondents.
3 shows that games were the most mentioned enabling activities by students probably because
students realize their misbehavior as they enjoy and participate in them.
8. Discussion
The effectiveness of this intervention program is supported in the study of Steiner and
Remsing (2007, cited by Denault & Déry, 2015), where an intervention program regarding social
skills showed evidence of reducing behavior problem. The instructional design of having a
learning process which intimately intertwines reflection and action is supported by Garvin
(2003).
In classroom misbehaviors, failure to submit assignments is corroborated in the study of
Sun and Shek (2012), which they report to be common among their students. Absenteeism is also
identified in the study of Cook (2010), where “Friday mentality” is cited as the common reason
for not going to school. The same issues were observed in this study.
That enabling activities develop behavior was supported in the study of Bessant, Caffyn,
and Gallagher (2001), where they suggest that variation of enablers can be used to achieve the
same ends of behavior development.
This study‟s findings regarding the effect of inspiring real-life stories to help students
reflect on their classroom misbehaviors are corroborated by the study of McCarthy (2008), where
he relates that inspiring stories inculcate effective storytelling and proves to be effective in
dispersing values. Likewise, the study of Thiel-Stern, Mazzarella, and Hains (2014) assert that
storytelling strengthens commitment and motivates students to imitate what the main character of
the story did.
In terms of utilizing games in teaching values, Koh, Kin, Wadhwa, and Lim (2012) note
that incorporating games in teaching values has potential in enhancing learning. The cultural
stories based on biblical characters continue to be in the heart of a person‟s behavior, values, and
beliefs (Evans, 2010). In the study of Johansson (2011), group discussion is considered the most
prominent approach to teaching and transmitting moral values. According to him, this results to
students becoming engaged in moral activities (Johansson, 2011). Surprisingly, group discussion
was the least recognized by students among the enabling activities.
9. Conclusions
Students‟ misbehavior may be modified by inculcating positive values through enabling
activities such as games, biblical-related videos, inspirational stories, and group discussions.
Majority of at risk students who attended the training believe that the intervention program is
helpful in solving their social skills deficiency. The program encouraged them to improve
themselves by applying the virtues and values that they have learned in school.
There is a high correlation between the intervention program and its perceived effects on
the students‟ social skills. That the enablers in the intervention conditioned the students to
accept, resolve to change, and apply what they learned are indicators that the intervention
conducted in this study is effective. Thus, there is a strong indication that the intervention
program can be useful in addressing the problem of classroom misbehaviors.
The research was limited to a small sample but it was supported by the qualitative
analysis. Further studies should be conducted based on the results of this baseline research such
as the analysis of the results of the program implementation according to grade level and gender.
Another related research may focus on other underlying causes of misbehavior in the classroom
other than lack of social skills.
10. Recommendations
The following recommendations are given:
The school administration should provide the necessary support and resources which are
not limited to the following:
o additional teachers;
o student workbooks;
o dedicated room for intervention program sessions; and
o budget allocation for meal allowances.
o intensify partnership with the NGOs to fund the research intervention program.
The school‟s effort to nurture positive attitude and behavior among students at risk
should be supported by the home. Parents should work with the teachers by encouraging
their children to participate and complete the intervention program.
If approved and implemented, the CREATE intervention program stakeholders (school,
home, and community) should validate its applicability and perceived effectiveness by
tracking and reviewing the periodic results (quarterly and yearly). Enablers‟ activities
which are proven to be effective in real-life settings should be the only ones utilized in
the intervention program.
The CREATE intervention program implementers should examine the factors
contributing to low attendance turnout among students at risk.
References
Assaf, D., Cohen, Y., Danesi, M., & Newman, Y. (2015). Opposition theory and computational
semiotics. Sign System Studies, 43(2/3), 159-172.
https://doi.org/10.12697/SSS.2015.43.2-3.01
Bessant, J., Caffyn, S., & Gallagher, M. (2001). An evolutionary model of continuous
improvement behaviour. Technovation, 21(2), 67-77. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0166-
4972(00)00023-7
Child, C. o. (1989, November 20). http://www.ohchr.org/en/professionalinterest/pages/crc.aspx.
Retrieved from United Nation.
Coghlan, D., & Jacobs, C. (2005). Kurt Lewin on Reeducation Foundations for Action Research.
The Journal of Applied Behavioral Science, 41(4), 444-457. DOI:
10.1177/0021886305277275. https://doi.org/10.1177/0021886305277275
Collins, T., Greshan, F., & Dart, E. (2016). The effects of peer-mediated check-in/check-out on
the social skills of socially neglected students. Behavior Modification, 40(4), 568-588.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0145445516643066
Comedis, E. (2014). The Role of Social Skills in the Academic Performance of De La Salle
Araneta University Freshmen Students: Creating Culture. Presented at tthe DLSU
Research Congress De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines March 6-8.
Cook, L., & Etzenne, A. (2010). Factors influencing students' absenteeism in primary schools in
Jamaica: Perspectives of community members. Carribean Curriculum, (17), 33-57.
Denault, A., & Déry, M. (2015). Participation in organized activities and conduct problems in
elementary school: the mediating effect of Social Skills. Journal of Emotional and
Behavioral Disorders, 23(3), 167-179. https://doi.org/10.1177/1063426614543950
Denault, N., Higgins, K., Pierce, T., Tandy, R., & Tincani, M. (2010). An analysis of social skills
instruction provided in teacher education and in-service training programs for general and
Sun, R., & Shek, D. (2012). Student Classroom Misbehavior: An Exploratory Study Based on
Teachers' Perceptions. The Scientific World Journal.
https://doi.org/10.1100/2012/208907
Visscher-Voerman, I., & Procee, H. (n.d.). Teaching Systematic Reflection To Novice
Educational Designers. Retrieved from
http://www.aect.org/pdf/proceedings07/2007I/07_48.pdf
We Didn‟t Have Adventures Like That”: The Lure of Adventure Stories and Courageous
Females for Girls Growing Up in the United States During the Mid-20th Century. (2014).
Journal of Communication Inquiry, 38(2), 131–148.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0196859914523985
Wu, C., Lo, Y., Feng, H. & Lo, Y. (2010). Social skills training for Taiwanese students at risk
for emotional and behavioral disorders. Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorder,
18(3), 162-177. https://doi.org/10.1177/1063426609344605
Zach , S., Yazdi-Ugav, O., & Zeev, A. (2016). Academic achievements, behavioral problems,
and loneliness as predictors of social skills among students with and without learning
disorders. School Psychology International, 37(4), 378–396.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0143034316649231